Jordan Thomas is the 2021 recipient of the J.W. Burch State Specialist Agricultural Extension Award, presented at the CAFNR Celebration of Excellence awards ceremony April 19. Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD in animal sciences with an emphasis on reproductive physiology at the University of Missouri. He became an assistant Extension professor in 2018 and has served as the state beef reproduction specialist since 2020.

Thomas conducts applied research in reproduction management of beef cattle, coordinates the cattle breeding program at the University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, serves as the program advisor for the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program and collaborates with the MU Forage-Livestock group.

Thomas has been recognized for his creativity as a leader in the field of bovine reproductive biology. Among other accomplishments, he has developed a novel approach to estrus synchronization of cattle that significantly improves pregnancy outcomes compared to traditional breeding protocols. This innovation has improved the profitability of cattle producers in Missouri and beyond.

“Jordan has all of the attributes of an exceptional Extension specialist,” said Jared Decker, MU associate professor of animal sciences. “He is organized, passionate, driven, creative, clear, concise, authoritative, persuasive, and inquisitive. Not only is Jordan a leader at Mizzou, he is one of the most outstanding Extension professionals in the world.”